Waterpark Weekend

We celebrated my Mom's birthday waterpark style this weekend at the Venetian Waterpark in Maple Grove's Holiday Inn and Suites. It was our first time there and we were pleasantly surprised. It was a beautiful, clean hotel with a great waterpark area for the kids. There was a large pool that was perfect height for Carter to be able to stand in, with 4 basketball hoops in it. There was also an obstacle course, two large (fast) slides, a kiddie pool area, and a hot tub. It received a thumbs up from both boys - they decided the only things missing were a lazy river and vortex pool. I guess you can't win them all! ;)

Happy

Birthday to you!

Happy

Birthday

to

you!

Happy

Birthday

Dear

Grandma,

Happy

Birthday

to

you!

And 

many

more! :)



Family Fun Night

We celebrated Family Fun Night (Hawaiian Night) at Carter's Preschool this week.  They had a dance, craft room, movie/playdoh room, photo op area, and a snack room.  It was a fun night.  To top it off, the kids won a raffle prize and we also brought one home for Grandma - score! :)

Valentine's Day

The boys are always so excited for Valentine's Day.  Although it is not a big holiday for me, it is so fun to see it through their eyes.  We put out M&M candy at the top of the stairs outside their bedroom door after they went to bed.  When they got up the next morning, they followed the trails of M&Ms to their hidden gift bags.  They were so excited!  :)

We finished off the day with our traditional heart shaped pizzas from Papa Murphy's and a relaxing evening together.  It was a fun day!!!

Carter's "C" (next to the trail of M&Ms leading down the stairs):

Ryan's "R":

Hard to see in this picture, but each boy had a path of M&Ms to follow down the stairs:

Carter excited about his Super Hero Legos:

Ryan checking out his card and iTunes gift card:

Their loot:

Boys' Bathroom Makeover

Last weekend my Mom and I went shopping for a more grown up theme for the boys' bathroom.  The boys and I have been discussing this for a while, since they have a duck theme in there from when we moved into the house when Kyle was 3.  It was definitely time.  When I told the boys we were going to do it, they both dissolved in a heap of tears - they did not want me redecorating their bathroom.  We proceeded to paint it and redecorate, all the while I had a feeling of dread in my stomach.  I felt terrible for taking away their 'ducky' bathroom they obviously wanted to keep, even though during previous conversations, they were ready for an older theme.  Anyway, we put it together after the boys went to bed one night.  They got up the next morning and both shouted "wow - this is the best bathroom EVER!"  I felt like I dodged a bullet there...glad they like their new bathroom!

BEFORE:  bright yellow walls and duck theme

Evan rolling on primer to cover up the yellow walls:

Having their bathroom torn apart meant taking a bath in our tub, which is like a party for them!!!!

AFTER:  Hoopla theme

Their favorite part of the new bathroom?  Personalized cups!  :)

Preschool Sunday

Carter sang in church for preschool Sunday last week.  He was not thrilled to be up there.  I kept trying to give him the 'smile' sign, but he was not making eye contact at all.  He told me afterwards he was nervous.  Not sure if that was the case, but that's his story and he's stickin' to it! :)

Singing three songs during the church service:

Listening to the children's message:

Jewelry

My plan today was to make jewelry while the boys were at a fishing contest with Evan.  I dropped them off at 10:45 for an 11:00 start, came home, got busy (finishing one piece), and low and behold, my phone rang at 11:30.  The boys were too cold and needed to be picked up.  It was below zero windchill and pretty cold to stand outside without a fish house.  Ryan was there long enough to bait the hook, and attempt to catch a fish, which qualified him for his fishing belt loop for Cub Scouts!  Anyway, got a little sidetracked there, sorry about that...this is my jewelry for today!

Additional discs for a necklace I had made previously:

Cool Whip

Somewhere hidden under there is a strawberry...  ;)